Big hearted residents are being called to donate time and compassion to patients at Blacktown Hospital’s palliative care ward.

Volunteers will be required to give emotional and practical support for up to three hours a week to a patient and their family.

Blacktown resident and palliative care volunteer Suzan Wesley, who recently joined the hospital’s cancer services unit, said she found the role rewarding.

“I walk the journey with the patient — by having someone who is not a family member with them, it allows them to open up and talk about matters they don’t want to worry family members about,” she said.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s director of supportive and palliative medicine Philip Lee said the volunteers would visit patients at their bedside for a chat, hold their hand or just be a good listener.

Volunteers need to be over 18 but no formal qualifications or experience are required. Training is provided. Call the health district’s palliative care volunteer manager Kylie Clark on 0427 730 596 or email kylie.clark@health.nsw.gov.au.